Cinque Terre has long been a photographers paradise. Colourful houses cascading down steep cliff faces, crystal clear azure waters bobbing with fishing boats soaked in golden sunsets. Florence has an abundance of possibilities with the famous churches, bridges and galleries together with interesting street photography, all make this Italian Photography Tour a real gem.
What makes this such a great Cinque Terre photography trip?
The Cinque Terre National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, meaning “five lands” in Italian, is a string of five colourful coastal villages on the rugged Italian Riviera coastline, easily accessible by train or boat.
Clinging precariously to the cliffs, the houses of this area are like jewels scattered on emerald seas. The salty tang of the air mingled with the scent of sun-baked stone and the heady aroma of simmering pesto (a regional speciality) is a symphony for the senses. The whole area is a harmonious interaction between man and nature to produce a landscape of exceptional beauty.
We will visit some of the villages for sunset as the timing of this trip allows for the sun to wash these pretty villages with golden light, with the blue hour painting the sky in hues of bruised violet and fiery orange.
Riomaggiore
Riomaggiore, the southernmost and arguably the most charming village in Cinque Terre, is a captivating gem nestled between Manarola and the rugged Punta di Montenero. With its vibrant colours, narrow alleyways whispering with history, and a captivating atmosphere that’s both vibrant and peaceful, Riomaggiore offers a truly unique experience.
Manarola
Imagine a kaleidoscope of pastel-coloured houses cascading down high rocky cliffs, their reflections shimmering in the crystal-clear waters below. This is the quintessential image of Manarola, a photographer’s paradise with endless picturesque scenes. The heart of Manarola is a natural harbour nestled between the towering cliffs. Colourful fishing boats bob gently in the water, adding to the village’s authentic charm.
Corniglia
Corniglia, the hidden gem of Cinque Terre, unlike the other villages directly hugging the coastline, is perched on rugged cliffs about 100 meters above sea level. It offers a unique experience compared to its neighbours with a blend of charm, tranquillity, and historical intrigue. Imagine strolling through quaint piazzas with panoramic views of the Ligurian Sea and colourful vineyards cascading down the cliffs. In the evening, the golden light sets behind the headland with the last rays of sunlight kissing a lone Doria tower, casting an air of ancient mystery.
Vernazza
Vernazza pulses with the gentle bob of colourful boats, their sails catching whispers of the night wind. Often considered the crown jewel of Cinque Terre, the heart of Vernazza is undoubtedly its picturesque harbour. Imagine colourful houses lining the waterfront, bobbing fishing boats, and crystalline turquoise waters reflecting the sun below the Doria Castle.
Monterosso
Monterosso is the most northerly of the five villages and is the only one to feature a golden beach. The village itself is a delight to explore, with its pastel-coloured houses tumbling down the hillside, charming piazzas, and narrow, winding streets lined with shops and restaurants.
Porto Venere
In addition to the five villages, we will also take a boat ride to Porto Venere – often called the sixth town. Imagine a cluster of colourful houses perched on a rocky peninsula, their reflections shimmering in the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Spezia. This is the quintessential image of Porto Venere, a postcard-perfect town that will leave you breathless. The dramatic coastline is captivating, characterized by jagged cliffs, hidden coves, and crystal-clear waters. Overlooking the town is the beautiful church of San Pietro.
Comfortable hotel accommodation in La Spezia
During this trip we will stay in comfortable ensuite hotel accommodation in the port town of La Spezia. Our hotel is close to the train station. Staying La Spezia means keeping costs lower but also allows us easy access to the boats which serve Porto Venere and Cinque Terre. Breakfast is included in a local cafe.
Transport in Cinque Terre all included
During our stay we will travel from Pisa to La Spezia by train and also between the five towns of Cinque Terre. We will also take a boat trip from La Spezia to Porto Venere and then onwards to one of the Cinque Terre towns.
Typical schedule & locations
Arriving on the 29th April 2025 in to Pisa – please arrive before 14.00, we will travel by train to La Spezia. We have three full days in Cinque Terre – theris no specific agenda, I will choose locations based on weather each day. On the 3rd May we travel by train back to Pisa, arriving around 11.00.
Tuscany Landscape Workshop
This Cinque Terre workshop is directly before our Tuscany trip and can be booked together. If both are booked, there is a £100 discount.
You can read more about our Tuscany workshop here:
https://www.creativephotoadventures.uk/photo-workshop/tuscany-spring-photography-tour/
End of workshop photo review & followup
I also offer an online follow-up after the workshop to help you with image selection and editing.
Access to Private Members Facebook group
We also have a private Facebook group where members can join and post images for feedback and I answer questions and give help and advice.
Photography Learnings
- Working with available light
- Composition techniques
- Appropriate camera settings
- Exposure and use of the histogram
- Depth of field and focusing
- Shooting at sunrise and sunset
- Street photography techniques
- ICM and multiple exposures
- Use of filters
- Use of tripod
- Long exposure
- Landscape techniques
- Seascape techniques
Workshop highlights…
- Photograph many of the highlights of Cinque Terre and more…
- Vast local knowledge gives you access to little known locations
- Daily tuition from a professional photographer
- Daily photo reviews and critique
- Social time with other like minded photographers
- Experienced travel and landscape photographer, knows the best spots to shoot
Our workshop is for you if…
- You’re an amateur photographer of any ability who wants to improve your technical and creative skills
- You’re an advanced or Pro photographer looking to expand your portfolio with new and different images
- You’re a competitive camera club member and looking to create amazing winning images
- You want to spend two weeks with like minded photographers
Photography in Cinque Terre
